Virgil Van Dijk insists that he does not regret trying to force a move from Southampton in the summer.

The Dutch international was the subject of a blundered approached from Liverpool, whilst Chelsea and Manchester City both failed to make firm offers after Southampton made it clear they did not want to sell.

Southampton were left furious by Liverpool, to such an extent that they are insistent they will not deal with them come January and even beyond.

Van Dijk, currently on international duty with Holland, has only now returned to first-team duties for Southampton after going on strike.

However, the 26-year-old is unrepentant about trying to force through a move.

“I’m glad I’m fit again and I can give up 100 percent,” Van Dijk, who has over five years remaining on his contract at Southampton, told Fox Sports in the Netherlands.

“I’m not sorry for anything. Of course, I wanted to make a step up, but Southampton did not want me to sell me, but you’re a professional, so now I’ll give everything to the club.

“Halfway through the season, maybe we can see what’s possible.”

Despite Van Dijk’s stance, I understand Southampton are in no mood to soften their stance on him.

Should, Van Dijk leave and despite Southampton insistence they will not deal with the Merseyside giants – Bookmakers still believe that Anfield is still the player’s most likely destination.

We spoke to BetVictor’s Head of antepost Football Michael Triffitt about the market around Van Dijk.

“Virgil Van Dijk was fully expected to leave Southampton for Liverpool in the Summer transfer window and the player was left disappointed and frustrated when the deal failed to materialise,” he told TheGamblingTimes.com.

“After opening at 5/1 to join the Reds in the January window punters have backed the Dutchman into 9/4 to move North and that price is still been laid. The player has reiterated his desire to resurrect the move and the price won’t last long one would imagine!”